Leadership Coaching
“I am a better leader as a result of my work with Dorel. She encouraged me, through a thoughtful and supportive process, to set concrete goals for my growth as a leader and then helped me achieve them. With a strengths-based approach, Dorel pushed me to experiment with new ways of leading, letting go of practices that were not serving me or my organization, and leaning in to my strengths. I was able to traverse a particularly challenging leadership time period with her help and I am forever grateful for that coaching.”
— Sara Woods, Co-President & CEO, Heights Philadelphia
“Dorel Shanon has been an exceptional resource, helping me to identify areas where I can grow as a leader, and channel them into action. She is a level, candid presence – a strong listener who asks the right questions at the right moments, and offers insights with an uncanny instinct for how and when they’ll best be heard. She has an exceptional ability to understand organizational dynamics, and to offer the coaching feedback I need to respond in ways that support not only our organization’s mission and sustainability, but my own professional growth as well.”
— BF, National Healthcare Nonprofit
“Working with Dorel has been hugely helpful in developing my leadership and problem solving skills. Dorel has helped me think about my job and responsibilities in new and important ways and has encouraged me to ask questions that unlock new ways of seeing things. When I have a thorny issue to resolve, I always rely on the skills I have learned from Dorel to ensure I am making the best decision I can for the organization.”
— Debby Freedman, Esq., Executive Director, Community Legal Services, Philadelphia PA
“I am a better supervisor, colleague and leader as a result of my coaching with Dorel. Her professionalism, expertise, and insightfulness make her an excellent Coach, and I am fortunate to be working with her.”
— Dominique Bernardo, CEO, Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley, PA
“I have worked with Dorel in her capacity as a consultant and as an executive coach for many years. I have learned and grown so much from our work together. I recommend working with Dorel to anyone looking to build leadership and management skills and confidence. Dorel helps you hold yourself accountable to the growth you want to make, all done with warmth, humor, and support.”
— Deborah Klehr, Esq., Executive Director, Education Law Center, PA
“Dorel has helped me to navigate critical risks and opportunities during a period of high growth for our organization, and has been a thought partner at moments when it feels 'lonely at the top'. She excels at asking insightful questions to help you follow your best instincts, and I can now hear her voice in my head nudging me towards being a braver better leader at key moments.”
— MLR
Board Development
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Dorel Shanon as a fellow Board Member, and during my tenure as President, and have experienced the remarkable contributions she has made to the Georgetown ITL Network. With Dorel's understanding of board governance, she was able to guide our organization from its founding and navigate the complex governance issues required to help us grow into the next generation of leadership. Dorel was an incredible team player. Her wisdom, intelligence, diplomacy, and kindness were evident in every interaction, and she was admired and respected by everyone. Dorel is a true professional, and her expertise and dedication have been crucial to the success of the Georgetown ITL Network.”
— Sharon Krohn, MCC, Immediate Past President, Georgetown ITL Network
“Dorel Shanon was an invaluable member of the Allens Lane Art Center board. She served as head of the Governance Committee as well as a member of the Executive Committee during my term as board president. Dorel is extremely knowledgeable about board governance issues and best practices, and she brought not only her experience but also her creativity and keen intuition to the role. Dorel was a leading member of the transition team that recruited and hired a new executive director, led the revision of our By Laws, developed many best practices and policies for board members, developed board member and committee chair job descriptions, and so much more. I will always be grateful to Dorel for her service to the board, her leadership, friendship, and the amazing guidance and support she showed me as we navigated challenging times. The Center and board are much better prepared for a thriving future thanks to Dorel's commitment and leadership.”
— Susan Matyas, President, Allens Lane Arts Center Board of Directors
Organizational Planning
“Dorel guided us though our first staff retreat in five years. Her ability to listen to the needs of the group, read the room, and adjust the plan to meet our needs was exceptional. As we are an international group, she helped us bridge cultural divides and created a space for safe, honest communication among the team members.”
— Rabbi Rebecca W. Sirbu, Executive Vice President, Jewish Funders Network
Team Development/Team Coaching
“Dorel has been an inspiration to my team in helping us gain a greater understanding of ourselves, how we impact the teams we lead, and moreover, how we shape organizational culture. The increased engagement and participation over the past year Dorel has worked with us has been extremely encouraging. Our work with Dorel is not yet done - I look forward to continuing.”
— Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director & President, Women Against Abuse
Leadership Coaching Cohorts for CEOs / Executive Directors
“Friday mornings with Dorel feel like a gift. Learning from peers' real life experience, with Dorel's gentle but persistent requests that we all look closer to uncover the real issue, is effective, restorative, and even fun.”
— Meg Wise, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Outward Bound School
“I took away many pearls of wisdom from more experienced CEO’s, which helped me to hold up a mirror and reflect on my own leadership style.”
— Dominique Bernardo, CEO, Variety Children’s Charity Delaware Co.
“The CEO/ED gatherings have been an oasis in the midst of the pandemic. Dorel’s coaching and facilitation of our group has kept us grounded and focused. This group has been the best part of my work life over the past year! It is invaluable and so important.”
— Patrick M. Cicero, Esq., Former Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
“I have enjoyed expanding my network to a wonderful group of likeminded leaders, all working hard to improve the lives of individuals in their communities. I’ve improved my awareness of what I can and cannot control, helping me focus my energy on my organization’s “controllable” challenges.”
— Joe Duffey, CEO, NewCourtland Senior Services
“I was hesitant to join at first, thinking “how can I fit this in”? But discussing pressing issues with Dorel and my peers not only helped with the issues themselves, but also made me realize I am not alone with these struggles -- nor am I alone in not having solutions at my fingertips.”
— Stefanie F. Seldin, President & CEO, Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
“Leading a non-profit during the pandemic was a challenge. I faced issues I’d never faced before. I learned most of us were dealing with similar concerns and facing the same insecurities. The group gave me space to breathe, reflect, and problem solve. Dorel made sure everyone was heard and gave us both compassionate and honest feedback. Most of all I made new ‘virtual’ friends who I feel close to.”
— Jean Sachs, CEO, Living Beyond Breast Cancer
“Participating in the Leadership Cohort provided a safe space to process challenging issues with other Executive Directors. It made my job feel less lonely, and gave me an outside perspective that was invaluable when struggling with how to approach an issue. Dorel's coaching structured our sessions for maximum effectiveness, while also taking care of us as people.”
— Sara Woods, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Futures
“I have found it imperative that the life line of a Executive Director include a peer group that is open to hearing, processing, and working through challenges! Dorel’s group provides just that- a safe space to explore challenges and talk through possible solutions. To have a group of peers that is lead by a experienced and passionate executive coach, one who truly understand the ups and downs of leadership, has been key to my success as a Executive Director!”
— Julie Avalos, MSW, Former Executive Director, Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County